Introduction

A formal objection has been lodged challenging whether Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua's December showdown will be contested for a world title. WBA heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev's team has formally contested the sanctioning body's plan to place the super belt on the line, arguing the decision undermines the champion's rights.

What Happened

Details emerged that Gassiev, who captured the WBA regular belt last December by knocking out Kubrat Pulev in Dubai, later became the sanctioning body's sole and full champion after Oleksandr Usyk relinquished all his titles in June. Despite defending the primary world title against short-notice replacement Peter Kadiru in July, Gassiev now faces the prospect of the super belt being stripped from him and placed on the line for the Fury-Joshua clash in Cardiff on December 11. The WBA is reportedly set to make the super belt the prize, a move that would mark the first time such a belt has been contested between two fighters who currently hold no world title between them.

Why This Matters

The implications extend beyond a single belt. If the WBA proceeds, it would set a precedent allowing the number-two and number-three ranked contenders to bypass the number-one contender and the reigning champion itself. For Gassiev, whose team has formally objected and demanded the WBA publicly refute the reports, this represents a direct threat to his standing and a potential erosion of the belt's credibility. For fans, it raises questions about whether world titles are still earned in the ring or decided on paper.

Key Takeaways

  • Gassiev's objection: His team has formally requested the WBA confirm or deny the reports and provide the grounds for any such decision.
  • Belt history: Gassiev captured the WBA regular belt in December 2025 and became the full super champion after Usyk vacated all titles in June 2026.
  • Ranking bypass: The proposed Fury vs Joshua bout would pit the WBA's number-two and number-three contenders against each other, bypassing the number-one contender Jarrell Miller.
  • Champion's rights: Gassiev's camp argues the champion must be given the opportunity to be heard and fight for Super Champion status before it is awarded to anyone else.
  • Gassiev's stance: In an Instagram statement, he affirmed he defended the title in the ring, not in a press release, and is ready to fight anyone, anytime.

Conclusion

With the formal objection on the table, the WBA faces a pivotal moment: uphold the champion's status and ranking integrity, or proceed with a historic but contested belt unification between Fury and Joshua. Gassiev's team has made clear they will not remain silent, and the boxing world will be watching closely as the governing body decides whether the super belt stays with its rightful owner or is awarded to two contenders who have yet to claim it in the ring.